The Blues got back on the winners list last week crushing Fitzroy-Donny. The Demons became the latest victim of the surging Cats, their second loss in a row at home. Both sides have three batsmen with more than 350 runs for the season – Hancock, Pilon & Keen (Carlton), Kent, Cooper & Dart (MCC).Carlton’s attack may be a little stronger Austin, Smyth, Millard & Salm have taken more than 15 wickets. Nick Quinn & Steve Gilmour have been terrific forMelbourne. A loss could see theDeesdrop as low as sixth, they’ll be desperate and it might get them over the line in a close one. TIP:Melbourne

Season 2011/12 has been a successful one for Prahran. So far the men fromToorakParkhave won the mid week T20 title and have qualified for the one day final. They moved into second spot on the table following last weeks outright victory over Melb Uni. The Two Blues will be strengthened by the return of Daniel Salpietro for the clash with Footscray. Robertson, McCammond and Wright bowled magnificently for the Dogs last weekend, they face a tougher ask over the next two Saturdays. TIP: Prahran

Is there a team in PC with an attack as good as Frankston’s -Groves, Miller, Holland & Boland? Probably not. Chasemore, Jewell, Clements & Walker form a handy batting line up. Tough month for MUCC, crushed by Prahran last round, next up Frankston. Somebody up there doesn’t like them. TIP:FrankstonPeninsula

Maiden tons to Sandri & McNamara headlined North’s strong win at Windy Hill last week. Matt Stevenson’s “five for” was just as important. The Dragons were smashed by Frankston last time out and haven’t won since early November. I can’t see them ending the drought against the Roos. TIP: North Melbourne

This match up reminds me of the old “loser leaves town” bouts from Jack Little’s World Championship Wrestling. Whoever goes down in this battle will face a difficult task qualifying for the finals. The Lions need Lloyd Mash to make runs every time he comes to the wicket. He scored 61 last week and FD still copped a severe beating. Despite dropping both games in 2012 I’ll take the Maggies. TIP: Camberwell

Essendon won four of their first five in 2011/12. Reality delivered a nasty smack in the mouth and they haven’t saluted since. The Rams weren’t disgraced against Casey. They should win this one. TIP: Ringwood

After five wins on the trot the Cats are in great shape (anyone pick up on the 80’s NBL link?), knocking over the strong MCC batting line up for 240 on the Albert is no mean feat. The Hawks had the Tigers in a spot of bother when the match was abandoned last week, their unbeaten streak stretches back to the first weekend in December. The run ends this round. TIP:Geelong

Richmond have been ordinary since returning from the festive break, whacked by the MCC then escaping with a draw at Monash last round. The Tigers wouldn’t want to drop this one, considering that the run home includes a trip to Prahran and a visit from Frankston. The Saints effort with the bat last Saturday was insipid, the once mighty StKCC is in decay. Stick a fork in ‘em, they’re done. TIP:Richmond

These two sides are in splendid form and desperate to consolidate positions in the top eight. Good to see Darren Pattinson back on the field, he’ll be very handy in March. Casey’s previous two wins have been achieved with little input from Clive Rose. He’s due for a big one, but I’ll stick with the Panthers. TIP: Dandenong

Donnell’s 2011/12 record 645 @ 58.6 (2 centuries) stands up well against Handscombs 403 @ 67.17 (2 centuries). Would he be on the state selectors radar ? You’d hope so, but being selected to play for Victoria hasn’t always been decided by wieght of runs at District level – Andrew Kent (present) & Mick O’Keefe (recent past) are two examples of players who should’ve been given a chance at Shield level.

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